Judge Halts Law Aimed At Stopping Military Funeral Protests

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A federal judge has temporarily suspendedKentucky's law forbidding protests within 300 feet of militaryfunerals and memorial services. U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell said Tuesday that the lawgoes too far in limiting free speech. The law aimed at WestboroBaptist Church of Topeka, Kan., which is known for its anti-gayprotests, is too broad, the judge said in issuing an injunction. "The zone is large enough that it would restrict communicationsintended for the general public on a matter completely unrelated tothe funeral as well as messages targeted at funeral participants,"Caldwell wrote in a 37-page ruling issued in Frankfort. Earlier this year, the Kentucky General Assembly passed the lawprohibiting nearly all protests at military funerals. Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo said he was considering anappeal. "I believe that society has an interest in honoring its wardead. Funerals are times of sacred and solemn reflection which mustbe protected from aggressive disruption," Stumbo said in astatement.

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